Revolutionizing Electric Vehicles: BMW and Samsung SDI Collaborate with Solid Power to Advance Solid-State Battery Technology

The Future of BMW’s Battery Technology: A Collaboration with Solid Power and Samsung SDI

For years, BMW has been eyeing solid-state batteries as the next big leap in battery technology. Now, with a new partnership with Colorado-based Solid Power and Samsung SDI, the German automaker is taking a significant step towards making this a reality. The goal? To develop and validate a demonstration vehicle powered by all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology.

This collaboration marks a shift from theoretical research to practical application, as BMW moves from lab samples to actual test cars. It’s a clear sign that the company’s long-term vision for next-generation batteries is gaining momentum.

Building on Past Success

BMW’s journey towards solid-state batteries began in 2017 with their partnership with Solid Power. In 2021, the company received its first prototype cells for testing, which were then evaluated at the Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) near Munich. By late 2023, BMW had acquired its first “A-sample” solid-state cells, and recent reports indicate that a BMW i7 prototype incorporating Solid Power’s sulfide-based electrolyte is undergoing testing in Munich.

The latest development sees Samsung SDI joining the collaboration, a crucial move towards scaling up the technology. Under the new agreement, Solid Power will supply its sulfide-based solid electrolyte to Samsung SDI, who will manufacture and test complete cells using the material. BMW and Samsung will then assess the cells based on agreed performance targets, with the ultimate aim of integrating solid-state cells into a demonstration vehicle.

The Promise of Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries represent a significant advancement over traditional lithium-ion packs, offering enhanced energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespan by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials. These batteries operate at lower temperatures, store more energy in less space, and reduce the risk of fire, making them ideal for electric vehicles.

Despite these advantages, cost remains a major challenge. BMW anticipates that solid-state cells won’t be ready for production vehicles until around 2030, once the technology becomes more cost-effective and scalable. In the meantime, BMW aims to demonstrate the viability of solid-state chemistry in real-world applications while refining its Gen6 round-cell technology for future Neue Klasse models.

Additionally, the collaboration supports Solid Power’s strategy of supplying electrolyte materials to Tier 1 manufacturers and automakers, rather than directly competing in cell production.

For BMW, the transition to solid-state batteries is a strategic move that requires careful planning and infrastructure development. The company has invested in facilities like the Parsdorf CMCC to ensure readiness for the technology’s eventual mainstream adoption. While solid-state batteries represent the next evolution after lithium-ion, the transition is a gradual process that BMW, Samsung SDI, and Solid Power are now moving from the laboratory to the streets.